Material handling mechanism



May 28, 1935. N, D. LEVIN MATERIAL HANDLING MECHANISM 11 Sheets-Sheet 1 Original Filed May 8, 1930 May 28, 4 LEVIN MAIERIAL HANDLING MECHANISM 11 Sheets-Sheet 2 Original Filed May 8, 1930 Pmu May 28, 1935, N. D. LEVIN 2 MATERIAL HANDLING MECHANISM Original Filed May 8, 1930 ll Sheets-Sheet 3 lq-q-l [2/25 MK; 17. lie /1h MayZS, 1935. Evm 2,002,952

MATERIAL HANDLING MECHANISM Origi nal Filed May a, 1930 11 Sheets-Sheet .4

mar/7e y 28, 1935! N. D. LEVIN MATERIAL HANDLING MECHANISM Original Filed May 8, 1950 11 Sheets-Sheet 5 May 28, 1935.-

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May 28, 1935. N. D. LEVIN 2,002,952

I MATERIAL HANDLING MECHANISM Original Filed May 8, 1930 l1, Sheets-Sheet '7 62 5: v 2 2| sq I G2 M7: 2. Leaf/L 4 @WJW A .ZY/forneyo May 28, N L N v MATERIAL HANDLING MECHANISM Original Filed May 8, 1930 11 Sheets-Sheet 8 l V 2 308: I

May 28, 1935. M1 LEVIN 2,002,952

MATERIAL HANDLING MECHANI SM Original Filed May 8, 1930 11 Sheeis-Sheet 9 Mb 3. lieu/r1.

11 Sheets-Sheet 10 N. D. LEVIN MATERIAL HANDLING MECHANISM Original Filed May 8, 1930 May 28, 1935.

AW In? 11 Sheets-Sheet ll .Fw RN 9 3 ommwm L Lmr EL i N D LEVIN MATERIAL HANDLING MECHANISM Original Filed May 8, 1930 May 28, 1935.

Patented May 1935 PATENT OFFICE I 2,002,952 MATERIAL nannmzc. MECHANISM Nils D. Levin, Columbus, Ohio, asslgnor to The Jefl'r'ey Manufacturing Company, a corporation of Ohio Continuation of application Serial No.

May 8, 1930. This application July 26, 1933,

Serial No. 682,348

8 Claims. c1. 198-7).

The present invention relates to a loading machine of a type particularly adapted for use in coal mines for gathering disrupted material and conveying it upwardly and away from the coal face to deposit it, for example, in a receptacle such as a mine car, for removal from the mine.

The machine comprises essentially a chassis maneuverable over a mine floor and supporting a conveyor which includes a gathering portion oscillable in vertical planes, a substantially horizontal portion forming a continuation of the gathering portion, and a delivery portion oscillable in both vertical and horizontal planes and so positfoned as to receive from the horizontal portion.

This application is a continuation of Ser. No. 450,742, filed May 8, 1930.

According to the embodiment of the invention to be described hereinafter, the chassis is of relatively short length and includes endless treads with diflerential drive connections. The gathering and delivery portions of the conveyor train project considerably beyond the chassis, the inter;

mediate portion of the conveyor train being set in a channel between housings for the endless treads.

Inasmuch as the component parts of the machine are of considerable weight, hydraulic ineans are preferably provided for effecting the various oscillatory adjustments of the conveyor sections and for controlling the difierential drive to the endless tread devices.

Beyondthe general features. briefly mentioned above, the invention includes improvements in various details of construction and the purposes and novel mechanisms contemplated in the invention as a whole will be understood from the description of a specific embodiment of the invention which follows. The description is'made with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figures 1 and 2 constitute a plan view of the machine;

Figures 3 and 4 constitute a side elevation of the machine; v

Figure 5 is a plan view of the chassis or tractor unit, with the main conveyor removed and other parts broken away;

Figure 6 is a section through the vertical pivot of the rear or delivery conveyor, and is taken along the line 6-6 of Figure 1;

Figure 7 is a section on the line of Figures 1 and 2;

Figure 8 is a plan .view of the rear conveyor with certain 'parts broken away to reveal other parts;

Figure 9 is an enlarged plan view of the. gathering end of the main conveyor;

rearwardly to the conveyor D and thence deposextremities by means of a substantially horizon- Figure 10 is a section on line Ill-l0 of Figure 1; Figure 11 is a section on line I |--l I of Figure 1; Figure 12 is an enlarged side elevation of the gathering end of the main conveyor;

Figure 13 is a section on line l3,-|3 of Figure 3; Figure 14 is a section on line I4I4 of Figure 1; Figure 15 is a section on line l5-l5 of Figure 1; Figure 16 is a side elevation of the rear conveyor drive mechanism;

Figure 17 is a section on line 1 of Figure 1; Figure 1-8 is a section on line l8-|8 of Figure Figure 19 is a section on line Ill-l9 of Figure 5; Figure 20 is a section on line 2020 of Figure 19;

Figure 21 is a section on line 2l2| of Figure 19; Figure 22 is a plan view of a valve control de vice for the hydraulic medium;

Figure 23 is an end elevation of the device of Figure 22; I

Figure 24 is a section on line 24-24 of Figure Figure 25 is a section on line 25-25 of Figure 25 Figure 26 is a partial section on line 25-25 61 Figure 24 with the parts in a diiferent relative position;

- Figure 27 is a partialsection on the line 25-25 of Figure 24 with the parts in still another relative pisition; and I Figure 28 is a diagrammatic plan of the entire hydraulic system of the machine.

Referring now to the drawings, and first of all to Figures 1 to 4, the machine comprises in general a chassis or tractor unit A supporting a main conveyor B having a forwardly projecting horisntally pivoted gathering section C, and a delivery' conveyer D. As shown, the chassis includes endless tread devices operable to maneuver the machine over the mine floor and to engage the gathering end C of the main conveyor in a mass of disrupted cool so that the coal will be passed ited for removal from the mine.

Referring also to Figures 5 and 19, the chassis A includes a pair of box-like parallel side members l and 2 interconnected below their upward tal frame casting 3. Parallel plates 4 and 5 secured to the upper, inner margins of members I and 2 define achannel adapted to receive the main conveyor frame, as will be hereinafter described. A casting 6, Figure 7, secured between bushing concentric with ure 19, supported in journal bearings II and l2v of the main frame casting 3. Fixed to the opposite ends of drive shaft iii are pinions l3 and I4 constituting the sun gears of planetary trains generally indicated at l5 and 16. The speed and direction of rotation of themotor are controlled by a controller 1 Figures 1 and 3.

The planetary mechanisms l5 and 16 are identical and unit 15 is shown in detail in Figures 20 and 21 to which reference will now be made, in addition to Figure 19.

A drum i1 is mounted for free rotation on a main drive shaft 10 and has keyed thereto an internal ring gear 18 journalled on abushing concentric with a driven shaft l9, which is coaxial with shaft H). A sleeve 20 keyed to shaft 19 is provided with a radial flange 21 carrying a plurality of stud shafts 22 on which are rotatably mounted pinions 23 meshing with the teeth of pinion l3 and ring gear I8.

Half circle bands 24 and 25 encircle drum l1 and each is provided at one end with a lug 26 or 21 connected by means of pins- 28 and 29 to a supporting lug 30 mounted on a pin 31 supported by a casting 32 bolted to the main frame casting 3, this mounting preventing rotation of the bands with the drum. To the other end of band 25 is fixed a lug 33'to which is pivotally connected one end of a lever 34 by means of a pin 35, lever 34 being of twin arm form, as may be most clearly seen in Figure 5, with one arm positioned at each side of lug 33. 7

To the other end of band 24 is fixed a lug 36 to which is pivoted, by means of a pin 31, a threaded socket member 38 in which is engaged the threaded end of a screw 39, whose other headed endis supported on a yoke 48 pivotally mounted between the arms of lever 84 adjacent pin 35.

-A roller 41 is supported between the free ends of lever 34 and rests on the upper plane face of a piston 42 reciprocable in a cylinder 43. To the medial portion of lever 34 is pivotally secured by means of a pin 44, a rod 45- influenced by a compression spring to hold roller 41 against the end of piston 42. It will be obvious from the described linkage that elements 45 and 45 constitute release means forbands 24 and 25, yieldably opposing oscillation of lever 84 due to movement of piston 42 (which engages roller-4|) outwardly of cylinder 48 when hydraulic pressure is admitted to the latter.

In case of failure of the hydraulic mechanism,

I manual means are provided-for the tightening of bands and 25. A pair of triangular plates 41 and 48, Figures 20 and 21, are pierced at one pair of their registering apices to receive a bolt 48 extending between a pair of ears, one of which is shown at 58, Figure 20, fixed to the casting in which cylinder 48- is formed. At another pair of their apices, plates 41 and 48 carry a roller 51 en- 8a8ed,under lever 84,-while at their remaining I pair of apices'the plates have pivoted thereto,

. through a pin",

a link 58. At its other end,

link 58 is connected thro h a pirrflwith an arm .55 fixed to a hollow rockshaft 58 to the outer end of which, atthe control side of the machine is fixed a hand lever 51, Figures 1" and 3. By moving lever 51 to rock shaft 58 in a. clockwise dii'ection, plates 41 and 48 are rocked in a counter- .It will be understood that gearing the flanges of guide rails clockwise direction 'to'cause the roller 5| to abut behind lever 34 and swing the latter sothatthe brake bands are tensioned. It will'be noted that piston 42 and roller 4i are merely in abutting engagement with lever 34 so that actuation of one of them leaves 'the' other entirely unaffected.

In Figures 1 and 3, a lever 66 is shown fixed to a rock shaft 61 having rigidly secured thereto an arm similar to arm 55,-of Figure 21 connected with means to effect the manual operation of the bands associated with planetary gearing i6, shaft 61 being disposed within 'hollow shaft 56. I5 is provided with hydraulic operating means indentical with those described with reference to gearing I5.

'Shaft l9, Figure 19, has cut in its outer end the teeth of a pinion meshing with a spur gear 59 fixed to the hub of a sprocket 8!! which is mounted on a stud shaft 61 fixed to the outer wall of member l, the sprocket engaging an endless tractor chain 62 to drive the latter. From Figure 5 it will be seen that left hand chain 62 is adapted to be trained over an idler sprocket 63, the lower run of the chain being supported on rollers 64 and 65. As a matter of convenience, the sprocket drive elements at each side of shaft 10 have been given the same reference numerals in ,Figure 19.

From the above description it will be seen that I have provided a chassis specifically in the form of an endless tread tractor-maneuverable in any tor to turniin the desired direction and at the desired angle.

As may be seen from the cross sectional view of Figure 11, the main conveyor 13, C comprises a frame composed of side plates 88 and 69 to which are secured the vertical webs of angle-bars 18 and 1| respectively. The horizontal Webs of the angle-bars have secured thereto a bottom plate 12. Angle-bars 13 and 14 in parallel relation to and below bars 18 and 11 have vertical webs secured to plates 58 and 69 respectively, while a plate 15 is secured to their horizontal webs.

Theconveyor chain comprises three flexible strands 18, 11 and 18, each made up of blocks as at 18, 88 and 8| connected by links 82, Figure 9. The blocks have lower portions in the form of an inverted T, the flanges of which engage under 88 and 84 secured to the top of plate 12, similar guide rails 85 and 85 being secured to the bottom of plate 15.

Blocks 1! and adjacent chains support between them flights 81 having set therein cutter bits 88. Blocks 88 are provided with sockets for the reception of cutter bits 89, while blocks 8| merely guide members in their coand 84.

serve the purpose of operation with strips 83 Upon equal application.

' Section B of the mainconveyoris adapted to be received in the channel defined by plates 4 and 5 and casting 8. The projecting portion C of the main conveyor is pivoted to the portion 13', on' ahorizontal axis, the pivot point being hidden in Figure 3 by br x-frame l, but the point of articulation being generally indicated in Figure 1 by an overlap in the bottom plate. 12 and in Figure 3 by an overlap of the side plate 88. The articulation of the main conveyor enables its Plates 12 and of the conveyor frame terminate forwardly in an extension frame generally indicated at 90, which through screw 9! may be longitudinally adjusted relative to plates 12 and 15 to obtain proper tension of the conveyor chains. A pair of side plates 92 and 93 are secured to the extension frame 90 and have a bolt and slot con- \nection with side plates 68 and 69 as indicated at 94, Figure 12. The side or guard plates 92 and 93 are thus adapted to participate inthe adjustment of extension frame 90. These plates support between them a shoe 95 adapted to rest on the mine floor and take the weight of the forward end of the conveyor. Pins 91 and 98, Figures 3, 9 and 12, project laterally of plates 92 and 93, and are supported at their inner ends by means of bracket plates as indicated at 99, I00, Figure 12. Pins 91 and 98 support the forward knuckled extremities of plates IM and I 02 which slope upwardly to the top of plates 92 and 93, the outer edges of plates IOI and I02 converging rearwardly to the conveyor. Along their margins, extend guard-plates I03 and I04 secured at their rear extremities to the side walls of the conveyor byv which are prevented from falling below the level of shoe 98 by means of stop brackets as shown at III, Figure 12. The outer margins of plates I01 and I08 have mounted thereon guard plates H2 and H3 overlapping the forward edges of plates IN and I02 and guided in yoke-shaped brackets of the latter as at II4, Figure 12. At its rear extremity, plate H2 is provided with an abutment lug I I5 adapted to cooperate with an abutment lug IIIi of plate I03 to limit the downward movement of the plate in conjunction with bracket III, the plate, howeven'being adapted to swing freely upward to the position shown in dotted lines in Figure 12. Plates H3 and I04 are provided with similar abutment lugs H1 and H8. From the above description it will be evident that when the gathering end of the conveyor is engaged in a mass of material, the cutter bits will act todisrupt it, if this is necessary, and drag it onto the conveyor. At the same time, the lateral scoops engage loose ..material and guide it by means of the oblique plates I03 and I04 to the conveyor trough. The pivotal mounting of the forward ends of the scoopsenabl'es them to work into and suitably adjust themselves to the material to be loaded. Headlights H are '-rovided at the sides of conveyor section C in.

positionto illuminate the material to -be gathered.

As has been mentioned, hydraulically actuated means are provided for effecting the angular adjustments of conveyor section C. Referring to Figures 1 and 3, itwill be noted that at the left of the machine to the outside-of conveyorsection C a'hydraulic jack or cylinder and pie- -units -II9 and I20 will ordinarily be connected 'a number of ratchet teeth I48 as may be most ton unit I I9 is pivoted to side frame element I- of the tractor about a pin I I9 and a similarly mounted unit I 20 is provided at the right of the conveyor. The projecting end of unit II9 may be connected toconveyor C at a point I2I or at a rearwardly spaced point I22 and unit I20 has; similar attachment points I23 and I24. If section C is merely to be swung relative to section B, to the lower dotted line position, Figure 3,

at points 'I2I and I23, thus securing greater leverage. If the conveyor as a whole is to be swung, however, section C will be blocked in its lower dotted line position and the ends of units H9 and I20 transferred to connection points I22 15 and I24. Upon further expansion of the units, the forward end of the conveyor may be moved to the upper dotted line position of Figure'3.

Referring to Figures 5 and 19, a spur ,gear I25 is keyed .on the hub of bevel gear 9 and meshes with a spur gear I26 which is fixed to a shaft (notshown) journalled in a bearing- I21 and having secured to its other end a pinion I28. Pinion I28 meshes with a spur gear I29"fixed on a shaft I39 journalled in bearings I3I and I32. A sprocket I33 is fixed to shaft I30 to be driven through the train just described. Engagedwith sprocket I33 is a sprocket chain I34, Figure 13, engaged by a sprocket I35 concentric with the head shaft I36 of the main conveyor. Head shaft I35, Figure 13, is journalled at its left end in a bearing I31 passing through an aperture in' the side wall 68 of the conveyor frame and having a-circular flange I38 secured to the aperture margins by means of cap screws I39. Flange I 38 is joumalled in an aperture in extension plate 4 of the chassis frame and is retained therein by means of a radially expanded portion I33. The other end of head shaft I36 is journalled in a similar mannenand it is about 40 this shaft as an axis that the conveyor frame B, C as a whole, is adapted to be oscillated in the; manner hereinbefore described. As indicated in Figure 13, a sprocket I 40 keyed on shaft I36-engages chain 18 and similar sprockets engage chains 18'and 11. A pair of sleeves III and I42 arekeyed on shaft I36 and restrained against longitudinal displacement relative thereto by means of a shoulder I36 and a cap screw and washer I43 and I44; Sleeve I4I has a longitudinal extension I45 embracing the outer extremity of bearing I31 and is provided at its extremity with a radial flange I40. Sleeve I 42 is provided at its outer extremity with a radial flange I41. .A pair of sleeves I48 and I49 are rotatable on sleeves MI and 142 between flanges I46 and I41 and have'integral'therewith *or flxed'thereto contacting radial flanges I50 and I5I provided with apertures I50 and I5I' in which a shear pin I52 is adapted to be engaged. Sprocket I35 is flxed on sleeve I49 so'that its rotation is iniparted to the latter and thence through the shear pin to sleeve I48. Sleeve I48 has formed therein clearly seen in Figure 14.

-A pair of pins I53 and I54. have shanks journalled in flange I41 and enlarged portions to which are keyed double ended pawls I55 and I55 adapted to cooperate with teeth I40. To the outer end of pin I53 is secured an arm I51 having formed therein a pair of Opposed sockets I 58 and I59, Figure 15. Interposed between arm I51 and flange I41 is a plate I80 swingable about pin I53 and having laterally opposed extensions 75 IGI and IE2 conformed as pockets to. receive compression springs I53 and I84, the-other ends of which are received in sockets I58 and I58 re-, spectively, Plate I88 has an extension I65 provided with a boss I68 in which is slidable a pin I81 surrounded by a compression spring I68 engaging behind a head I81 of the pin. The other end of the pin has secured thereto a lift button Head I61 of pin I81 is adapted to cooperate with a plurality of recesses arranged on an arc concentric with pin; I53 to retain the latter and therewith pawl .I55 .in a selected position. "Of. these recesses, only two are visible in Figure l5,

these being designated by the reference numerals I18 and HI. Recess I18 defines the neutral position of the pawl wherein neither of its ends engage teeth I48, while by disposing head I61 in recess I1I or in another recess, hidden in the position of parts shown in Figure 15, either end of the pawl I55 may be engaged with teeth I 48' so that the pawl supporting flange I41 may be made to rotate through the pawl and ratchet engagement in either direction.of rotation of the ratchet, it being understood that motor 1 is reversible. Springs I83 and I84 enable the pawl conveyor D, ahopper I88 to pass over teeth I48" if the direction of rotation of sprocket I85 is reversed without readjustment of the pawl. I41 will be driven only when sleeve I48 is rotated in a clockwise direction.

Pawl I58 is provided with the same adjusting mechanism as has just been described in connection with pawl I55,- and the three locking recesses for its associated pin I12 are indicated at I13, I14 and I15,Figure 15. V

From the description thus far, it will be clear that dueto the positive clutch arrangement constituted by the double actuating pawl and ratchet mechanism, the chassis may be driven in either direction with the drive connection to head shaft I88 entirely interrupted or the clutch maybe so adjusted that the headshaft will ,be driven when the chassis is being maneuvered in a forward direction but not when it is moving rearwardly.

On the other hand, the clutch mechanism may be so adjusted that the head shaft may be reversely rotated to exert reverse tension on the conveyorchains in case of'necessity. Inasmuch as the delivery conveyor D takes its drive from head shaft I88, it will be evident that the same possibilities of operation exist. as regards that conveyor. v Referring toFlgures 6 and 7, casting 5 'has formed integral therewith a ring I18 having secured thereto inwardly projecting rings I11 and I18 constituting upper and lower ball races of astep bearing including an intermediate ring I18.

Ring I18 has secured thereto a casting I88 provided with a central bearing I8I in which are.

journalled the hubs of a sprocket I82 and a bevel gear I88 keyed on a commo shaftb Casting I88 supports a foot guide I84 I r the chains I85 of below the delivery and ofconveyor B, and a conveyor supporting frame I81, Figure "1. The

trough of conveyor D isarticulated at I88 and therearwardly projecting end is adapted to be oscillated by means of a pair of 'jacks I88 and I88, Figure 28, only one of which is visible in Figure 7.- I I In a vertical bearing I8I, supported by the frame I 81 are journalled the hubs of a bevel pinion I82 and a sprocket I88, which are keyed on a common shaft; the sprocket connected For example, in Figure 14, flange oned immediately sprocket I82 by means of'a chain I94.v A suitably journalled shaft I85 has keyed thereon a bevel pinion I88 meshing with pinion I82. Fixed on shaft I85 are sprockets I81 engaging the lower runs of conveyor chains I85 to drive the latter.

Journalled in suitable bearings supported from D-relative to its swinging axis as defined by ring I18- inasmuch as hearing I8I is concentric with this ring. The conveyor chains I85 are connected by means of flights I85 and suitable trough and guide means are provided. Since these means" may takeany preferred form, however, it is thought that specific description is not here required.

' At its opposite end from sprocket I85, shaft I85 has freely revoluble thereon a pinion 28I,

Figure 16, adapted to' be connected to the shaft by means of a clutch thrown into and out of operation by means ofa yoke 282 fixed to a rock shaft 283. To the lower end of shaft 283 is fixed a lever arm connected by means of a link 284 to an arm 285 fixed to a rock shaft 288*which has fixed to its opposite end at the control side of the machine an operating handle 281, Figures 1 and 3. The pinion 28I meshes with a spur gear 288 journalled on.a stud shaft supported on a bracket plate 2I8 secured to the chassis frame.

nected by means of a sprocket chain 2I2- through a tensioning device 2I8 with sprocket 288.

- Shaft I88 associated with the delivery conveyor D may thus be driven only when head shaft' I88 of the main conveyor is driven. By means of the clutch arrangement, however, the delivery conveyor need not be driven atall times-during the operation of the main conveyor, but may be stopped while cars are being changed,the main conveyor in the meantime continuing to deliver into hopper I88. By means of the hydraulic jacks I 88 and I88, the elevation of-the rear end of the delivery conveyor may be changed as desired either when the conveyor is operating or is A sprocket wheel 2| I fixed to gear 288 is conat rest. The delivery conveyor may also be swung relative to the main conveyor about its vertical pivoting axis under all conditions of conveyor operation. The following means are proend of piston 2I5 is connected to a frame 2I8 slidably. guided between walls 2I8 and 228 and supporting a pairof pulleys 22I and 222. Supported on fixed axles 228 and 224 at the ends of walls 2I8 and 228 are two pairs of sheaves 228, 228 and 221, 228. A cable 228, Figure 5, is anchored to the frame of the delivery conveyor and carried around the casting I86 to a guide sheave 288 to "and around sheave 228, thence around sheave 22I, thence around sheave 225,-thence around sheave 221, thence around sheave 222, thence around sheave 228 and finally around a sheave 28I to and about casting I88 to be anchored to the frame of the delivery conveyor at its side opposite to the flrstmentioned point of iii rear extremities, Figures 1, 3, 5, 6, (and 8, are

lugs 232, 232', and 233, 233',-which support vertical pins. 234 and 235 to which are hinged plates- 236 and 231, extending above the sides of hopper casting 186 substantially tangentially to the latter. A flexible web 238 is secured to the extremity of plate 236 by means ofa clamp 239 and revolubly supported by the brackets 24,1 and 242 mounted on the delivery conveyor supporting frame. Rearwardlyof the roller, the web passes in contact with a vertical angle plate 243 and at its rear extremity is connected wtlh a cable 244 by means of a clamp 245. Cable 244 is passed around a sheave 246 mounted between brackets 241 and 248 secured to the conveyor supporting frame, thence forwardly around sheaves 249, 256

mounted on. a frame cross member 251, and thence rearwardly-to a sheave 252 mounted in a block 253. From sheave 252, the cable is passed around sheaves 254 and 255, rearwardly about a sheave 256 similar to sheave 246 and thence forwardly to be secured by means of a clamp 251 to the rear end of a web 258 which is socured to the end of plate 231 by means of a clamp 259. A guide roller 266 and a'guide plate 261 similar to roller and plate 246 and 243 are engaged by web 258 in the manner already described with reference to web 238. i

A pair of parallel bolts 262 and 263 secured to block 253 have their ends connected by means of 'a yoke 264 through which projects a bolt 265 anchored in a frame cross member 266. The forward end 'of bolt 265 is passed through a yoke 266 slidable on bolts 262 and 263, and a compression spring 261 is interposed between yokes 264 and 266,- the force of this spring being adjustable through adjustment of yoke retaining nuts 262', 263' and 265'.

, It will be evident that sheave 252 being under the influence-of spring 261 will tend to tension cable 244 and therewith webs 238 and 258. Upon swinging of the delivery conveyor, the webs and cable will cooperate with the various 'guide,ele-- merits so that each web will always be maintained in a taut condition, and hence in proper material guiding relation to the overlapping ends of conveyors B and D. The main guide elements 246,

243, and 266, 261 move in constant arcs, having the vertically pivoting axes of the conveyor as their center.

For supplying pressure to the various hydraulic jacks, which have been described, a pump mechanism 268 which draws from a reservoir or tank,

not shown, is mounted on the main frame casting 3 and is connected to the motor 1 through a pinion 269 meshing with bevel gear 9, the pinion being fixed on a shaft on which is also fixed a pinion 216 meshing with. a spur gear 211 flxed on the shaft of the pump mechanism.

A valve control mechanism designated as anentirety at 212, Figures 1 and 3, is shown in detail in Figures 23 to 27. The valve mechanism comprises a base 213 on' which is mounted a block 214 provided with a plurality of bores 215, 216, 211 and 218 in which are disposed valveplugs 219, 286, 281 and 282.

An inlet port 283 communicates with bore 215 and a through passage to an outlet port 284 is provided through bores 285, 286, 281 and 288. Substantially oppositely disposed bores 289 and. 296 connect bore 215 with supply pipes 291 and 292 and similar bores 293 and 294 connect bore 216 with supply lines 295 and 296, a shut-011 valve 291 being provided in the latter.

A bore 298 connects .bore 211 with supply pipe 299 and bores 366 and 361 connect bore 218 with supply lines 362 and 363. Base 213 is provided with drain pockets beneath plugs,219, 286 and 281 which lead to a sump 364.

Plugs 219 and 286 may be of identical form and as here shown are provided respectively with forwardly flared through passages 365 and 366, and with longitudinal grooves 361, 368 and 369, 316. Plug 281 is provided with an angular recess 311 and with a longitudinal groove 312.

Plug 282 differs from the remaining plugs in that it is not only revoluble, but is vertically displaceable in bore 218. In its lowermost position, a forwardly flared through passage 313 therein is in the plane of passages 281 and 286, so as to.

plug 282. In an intermediate axially displaced position of plug 282, an angular recess 311 therein is adapted to connect passage 281 with bores 366 and 361, Figure 27. In the uppermost position of plug 282, a through passage 318 therein, Figure 26, connects passages 281 and 288, im-' perforate walls of the plug overlying and blocking bores 366 and 361.

The stem of plug 219 which is passed through suitable packing means is provided with anopcrating handle 319 having a limited oscillatory movement between abutments 326 and 321, Figure 22. The stem of plug 286 is. provided with an operating handle 322 having integral with its attachment boss, a rectangularlyextending arm 323 whose' oscillatory movements are limited by abutments 324 and 325. The control handle 326 for plug 281 is similarly provided with an arm 321 whose movements are limited by'abutments328 and 329.

A bracket 336 fixed to the valve body 214 has an angular portion 331 overlying bore 218 and provided with a coaxial aperture through which the stem 282'of plug 282 passes. A flanged pivot member 332 is s'ecuredto the outer face of support 331 with its flanges overlying the marginsof a recess formed ina plate 333, the latter thus being adapted for rotary movement about stem 282' as an axis, but being restrained against axial displacement relative to the stem. The upper end of stem .282 is secured to a block 334 pivoted between the bifurcated ends 335 and 336 of a lever 331, the forward ends of arms 335 and 336, being provided with a longitudinally extending slot 338, Figure 24, in which is engageda pin 339 supported between stanchions 346 and 341 flxed on plate 333. Movement of lever 331 in horizontal planes thus acts to rotate plug 282, while movementof the lever in vertical planes causes it to pivot about pin 339 to reciprocate plug 282 and selectively bring passage 313, recess 311 'or passage 318 thereof into register with passage: 281 of the valve body. Pivot member 332 is provided with shoulders 342 and 343 adapted to cooperate with shoulders 344 and 345 of plate 333 that its rear end reservoir.

valve 350 opened so that to limit the swinai s movement or lever 331 in horizontal planes.

Referring to Figure 28, pump mechanism 268 has its delivery port in connection with inlet 263 of the valve body by means of a pipe 346, the outlet of the valve body being in connection with the pump mechanism by means of a return line 341. Sump 304 is in connection with the fluid reservoir by means or a return line 348. Pipe 29I leads to one end of cylinder 2 while pipe 292 leads to the other end or the cylinder. Pipe 295 leads through a branch line 349 to the lower ends of cylinders H9 and I20, while pipe 296 through shut-ofi valve 291, an escape valve 350 and a branch line 35I, leads to the upper ends of cylinders H9 and I20. Pipe 302 leads to the lower end oi cylinder 43 associated with planetary gearing I5, while a bleeder pipe 352 leads from this cylinder back to the reservoir. Pipe 303 is in connection with the'lower end of cylinder 43 associated with planetary gearing l6 and a bleeder pipe 353 leads from this cylinder back to the valve mechanism in the position shown in Figures 24 and 25, the hydraulic medium will merely be circulated through the valve block, entering through line 346 and returning through line 341.- If, now, handle 3I9 be moved in a clockwise direction, inlet 283 will be placed in connection with bore 269, groove .306 will be placed in connection with bore 290, and the rear end of passage 305 will be blocked by an imperforate wall portion of bore 215. Under these circumstances, fluidwill pass' through line 29I to the forward end of cylinder 2 I4 moving piston 2i5 rearwardly and thusswinging the delivery conveyor D. The fluid to the rear of the piston will be exhausted through line groove 308 to sump 304, whence it will return through line 34a to the reservoir. it will be obvious that movement of lever 3I9.in a counterclockwise direction will cause a reverse supply and exhaust oi the fluid as regards cylinder 214.

Similarly, upon rotation or plug 280 in a clockwise direction (handle 3I9 having been returned to its central position) fluid will be supplied through lines 295 and 349 to the lower ends of cylinders H9 and I20 to elevate the gathering end of the main conveyor, fluid being exhausted from the upper ends of the cylinders through lines 35I and 296.

Under some circumstances, the gathering end With the parts or the of the conveyor will be sufficiently heavy so it will not tend to climb the material and thus may be entirely controlled by the supply of fluid to and its exhaust from the lower ends only of cylinders "9 and I20- Under these circumstances, lines 296 and 35I may be-drained, valve 291 closed, and pressures developed in the upper ends of cylinders I I9 and I20 will be relieved. Under these conditions, when line 295 is being drained through groove 309 of plug 290, through passage 306 will be blocked due to the fact will be closed by an impertorate wall oi bore' 216,. Since thus there will be no escape for the fluid supplied by the pump mechanism, the latter is provided with a relief valve in the well-known manner. I

Upon rotation of plug 28I in clockwise direction the fluid supply will be connected through line 299 and branch line 354 to the lower end of cylindr rs 89 and I90 to livery conveyor, which lowers by gravity when the plug is turned in a counter-clockwise direction to bring groove 3I2 in register with bore 298. It will 292, bore 290 and elevate the rear end of the d be evident that if desired, this plug and bore combination may be substituted in the position of bore 216 and plug 280 if it is desired to do away with the connection to the upper ends or cylinders H9 and I20. I

Referring to Figure 6, it will be noted that line 299 is in connection with line 354 through a-swivel connection adapted to swivel on an axis coincident with the vertical pivoting axis of the delivery conveyor.

With plug 232 in the position shown in Fi ures 24 and 25, the hydraulic medium is passing freely through passage 3I3 and-lines 302 and 3:13 are draining through recesses 3 I 4 and 3 I 5. Upon a clockwise rotation of plug 262, the pressure fluid is admitted to line 302- to tension to the desired extent the control bands of planetary gearing l5 through the movement of piston 42 in cylinder 43. Rotation ofthe plug in a counter-clockwise direction connects the fluid supply to cylinder 43 associated with plan tary gearing I6. If plug 282 is lifted to the intermediate position shown in Figure 27, fluid is supplied to both of cylinders When the plug is in its upper limit position, shown in Figure 26, the fluid supply freely traverses the plug through passage.3l3 while the .side walls of the plug block bores 300 and 30 I and lock'the fluid in lines 302 and 303. thus retaining the planetary bands in their adjusted position.

In the position of plug 282 pressure is supplied to both of lines 302 and 303 -so that the transmission bands are simultaneously operated. By turning the plug in either direction, one or the other of grooves SH and 3l5 is brought over port 300 or 30I so that fluid escape from one of the lines is permitted through the groove while pressure is maintained in the other line. With the plug in the position shown in Figure 26 both ports 300 and 30I are completely blocked. However, if the plug is rotated'in one direction or the other one of the ports may be maintained blocked and one or the other of grooves 3I4 and 3l5' brought into communication with the other port so that fluid escape through the latter is permitted.

With plug 282 in the position shown in Figure 25 it may be turned for example in counterclockwise direction a certain angular extent, while still maintaining exhaust through groove or recess 3I4. If the plug is now lifted to the position of Figure 27, the plug body 300, whereas port 30I is in communication with passage 281. This operation may be reversed for sole supply through port'300. the plug may be moved directly to its intermediate position irom its lower position to supply pressure directly to one or the other of the jacks without passing through an intermediate position wherein pressure is supplied to both of the jacks as would be the case if the plug were lifted prior to its being turned.

It will be evident that the described machine is of considerable adaptability and while it is of relatively great capacity, its control is unusually simplified through the provision of the hydraulic control system, just described. a -Obviously those skilled in the art may make various changes in the details and arrangement of parts without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the claims hereto appended, and I wish therefore not to be restricted to the precise construction herein disclosed.

Having thus described and shown an embodishown in Figure 2'1,

In this manner in said elements, asubstantially horizontal frame interconnecting said elements below their upper extremities, a motor mounted or! said frame, driving connections between the motor and tractive members supported on said frame, an elongated substantially horizontal conveyor extending above said motor and connections and ineluding a trough between the upper extremities ofsaid box-like elements for lateralsupport thereby, the rear end of said conveyor being piv-' otally connected to the rear ends of said elements on a transverse axis,.s aid conveyor having a forward horizontally pivoted end projecting beyond said elements, and hydraulically actuated means for swinging said end relative to the remaining portion of the conveyor or for moving the conveyor as a whole about said axis.

' 2. Material handling mechanism comprising a chassis including traction devices supporting the saine, means for driving the traction devices to mov e the chassis forward or backward, said means comprising a rotary drive member rotat- *able in either direction, a'conveyor mounted on said chassis and including a head shaft, a conveyor drive element concentric with said shaft and freely rotatable relative thereto, means connecting said rotary drive member and conveyor drive element whereby the latter is rotated in dependence upon the direction of rotation of the former,a doubleactiiigpawl and ratchet transmission mechanism between said conveyor drive element and head shaft, saidmechanism having a neutral position, and manually ,operable setting means for said mechanism.

3. Material handling mechanism comprising a gathering conveyor, means to move the, receiving endof. the conveyor into material'to be gathered to engage said end directly in the material to be gathered, ashovel carried by the conveyor laterally of its receiving-end, and a guide member oblique to the longitudinal axis of the conveyor for guiding material from the, shovel tothe conveyor.

4. Material handling mechanism comprising a gathering conveyor, means to move the receiving end of the conveyor to engage it in a mass of material to engage said end directly in the material to be gathered, a shovel carried by the conveyor "laterally of its receiving end, said shovel having a forward portion pivotal on a horizontal axis transverse to the conveyor, and a-guide member oblique to the longitudinal axis of the conveyor for guiding material from the shovel to the conveyor.

5. Material handling mechanism comprising a gathering conveyor, means to move the conveyor to engage its receiving end in -a mass of material to engage saidend directly in the material to be gathered, a shovel carried by the conveyor laterally of its receiving end, said shovel having a forward portion pivotal on a horizontal axis vertical side wall.

6. Material handling mechanism comprising a gathering conveyor including a trough and material engaging means traversible therealong, means to move the receiving endof the conveyor into material to be gathered to engage the material engaging means directly in the material, scoop means carried by the conveyor laterally of its receiving end, said scoop means having a forward horizontal edge projecting laterally of the trough at the lower forward edge of the latter, the scoop means being inclined upwardly from said forward horizontal edge to the top edge of the adjacnt lateral wall of the trough, and a guide member oblique to the longitudinal axis of the conveyor for guiding material from the scoo means into the trough.

7. Material handling mechanism comprising a chassis including traction devices supporting the same, a conveyor extending longitudinally of the chassis and having a portion overlying and supported by the chassis in normally substantially horizontalposition, the rear end of said horizontal portion being .in pivotal engagement with the chassis on a transverse axis and being swingable upwardly about said axis from the normal horizontal position of said horizontal portion, the conveyor including a forward portionarticulated on a transverse axis and adapted to assume an inclined'position in advance of ,the chassis so that its forward end may rest on the surface on which the chassis is supported in advance of the' latter, means for swinging saidforward portion chassis including traction devices supporting the same, a conveyor extending longitudinally er the chassis and having a portion overlying and supported by the chassis in normally substantially horizontal position, the rear end of said horizontal portion being in pivotal engagement with the chassis on a transverse axis and being "swingable upwardly about said axis from the normal horizontal position of said horizontal portion, the conveyor including a forward portion articulated on a transverse axis and adapted to assume an inclined position in advance of the, chassis so that its forward end may rest on the surface on which the chassis is supported in advance of the latter, means for swinging said forward portion means comprising expansible and contractible' means connectible between said forward 'portion and chassis below said forward portion, there being' selectable connection points for said expansibleand 'contractible mans whereby the thrust effect of the latter may be varied.

' NIIS D. LEVIN. 

